St. John's Men's Basketball Loses Out on Top Transfer Target
St. John's men's basketball team has suffered a significant setback in their efforts to rebuild their roster. The Red Storm were hoping to land Arizona State transfer Massamba Diop, a highly-regarded center who could have been the cornerstone of their defense and a key player in filling the void left by Zuby Ejiofor. However, the team has been unsuccessful in securing his services.
Diop, a 7-foot-1 center from Senegal, was a top prospect in the transfer portal. He had been weighing his options between Gonzaga and St. John's, and the decision came down to the wire. According to sources, the Red Storm made a substantial offer, but it was ultimately Gonzaga that won the recruitment battle.
The deciding factor, according to Dave Berov from the Eye of the Storm Podcast, was the personal connections formed between Diop's agent and some Gonzaga players. This close relationship likely played a crucial role in Diop's decision, as it can provide a sense of familiarity and support for a player transitioning to a new program.
Diop's talent is undeniable. Last season, he averaged 13.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists while shooting an impressive 56.9% from the field and 30.8% from three-point range. His ability to protect the rim, ranking second in the Big 12 with 2.1 blocks per game, would have been a significant boost to St. John's defense.
The loss of Diop is a double blow for St. John's. Not only do they miss out on a potential star player, but they also face a challenge in finding a suitable replacement. The transfer portal is not brimming with top-tier centers, and the team has already seen other highly-rated big men commit elsewhere.
Among the players linked to St. John's but who committed to other schools are Najai Hines (Seton Hall to UConn), Moustapha Thiam (Cincinnati to Michigan), and Flory Bidunga (Kansas to Louisville). The highest-rated uncommitted center in the portal, Austin Maurer, is ranked 33rd among centers in his class and averaged 7.2 points and 4.7 rebounds last season. While Maurer is a solid option, he may not be the game-changer Diop could have been.
St. John's still has work to do to fill the five remaining spots on their 2026-27 roster. They have already added former Syracuse forward Donnie Freeman and former Columbia guard Avery Brown through the transfer portal. However, the team will need to make strategic decisions to ensure they can compete at the highest level without Diop.
In my opinion, this loss highlights the challenges of rebuilding a basketball program. Landing top talent is crucial, but it's also about creating a supportive environment and fostering connections. St. John's will need to adapt and make the most of the remaining players and recruits to build a strong foundation for the future.
This setback serves as a reminder that in the world of college basketball, every decision and connection matters. The Red Storm will need to learn from this experience and continue to strive for excellence in their recruitment and team-building efforts.
